A Lifesaving Gift for Steph & Bill

When a Go Fund Me page launches, it’s often in support of a sudden illness or a great tragedy – but this one is different. Today we celebrate an amazing triumph.

This morning, Stephanie Dellaquilla will receive a long-awaited liver transplant from her friend Bill Lehman. This page will serve as a way to receive updates on Steph and Bill’s recovery journey and financially support the Lehman family.

A RARE GEM

Steph has been battling Autoimmune Hepatitis for over a decade. Her condition causes inflammation in the liver, actually signaling the immune system to attack this vital organ. She has never been a heavy drinker or used illegal drugs, and the cause of her condition is completely unknown.

Steph’s condition is very rare, with fewer than 200K new cases annually in the US. Rarer yet is the need for a liver transplant – but all who know Steph know most things about her are rare – including her undying loyalty, generosity and dedication to all the people she cares about.

Also rare? The amount of people who came forward to apply to be Steph’s living donor when she went public with her need for help last July. HIPAA privacy laws kept Steph in the dark during the donor selection process, but many have shared that the transplant team had them placed on standby lists, moving forward first with candidates who were an exact blood match.

THE PERFECT MATCH

Bill Lehman is an amazing father of three, a loving husband and a skilled accountant. For those who don’t know Bill and his wife Maria, it’s no surprise that they wanted to give Steph this gift of life. There’s nothing they won’t do for people they care about. They are always down to host friends and family or volunteer to take an extra kid for a day or two. Bill and Maria are as hilarious as they are generous, which makes them even more fun to be around.

Steph met Bill and Maria at CrossFit 1Force nearly ten years ago. They became fast friends and part of the same social circle, spending many holidays and weekend nights with their 1F crew. At most gatherings, Steph parks herself near the small people, and spends her time playing games with the kids (including water pong and juice box flip cup).

ROAD TO RECOVERY

Bill will be unable to work for at least 8 weeks post-transplant. Maria is a Registered Nurse and will care for him, taking off work during his recovery. They are both taking FMLA and will have minimal income while Bill recovers.

Steph works for BlackRock in the Human Resources department, and her entire organization has rallied to support her as she prepares for this milestone. This amazing company fully covers both sides of the medical transplant process financially. Steph will recover for the next 6 months and return to a team and a job that she loves as soon as she is able.

Many have reached out volunteering to help, send meals or donate to offset lost wages. The best way to help at this point is a donation on this page in any amount. Bill and Maria’s children will be cared for by the Gattuso and Lehman families, so meals and babysitting are not needed at this time. Steph has her Dad and siblings to help her as she recovers and does not have to worry about lost wages, which is why the fundraising part of this effort will be directed toward the Lehmans.

THE GIFT OF LIFE

In 2022, 603 living-donor liver transplants were performed in the United States, compared to 8,925 from deceased donors. With 11K people on the waiting list for a liver, imagine how many more lives could be saved if there were more people like Steph and Bill! For more information on organ donation, visit the HRSA Organ Donor and UNOS websites.

It’s no coincidence that they are blood type A+, because Steph and Bill are both A+ human beings. Let’s lift them in prayer, support and healing vibes as they embark on this journey of life, friendship and healing. Thank you for your support!